Omar Asks Centre: What Does 'At the Earliest' Mean for J&K's Statehood

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Questions Delay in Implementing Centre's Promise on Jammu and Kashmir Statehood.

The ongoing autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw Chief Minister Omar Abdullah move a resolution asking the Centre to restore statehood to the Union Territory. Citing the Supreme Court's directive that after the UT elections, J&K'It's statehood should be restored.

The resolution was passed by a voice vote amidst sloganeering and uproar from the BJP. With at least eight MLAs from different parties supporting the amendments. Omar stressed that the delay in implementing this direction has been two years.

They noted that there is still no clarity about when this might change.

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Omar expressed frustration with the delay, stating that the central government has been waiting for two years to fulfill its promise. He also detailed the difficulties of functioning under a Union Territory set-up. Citing officials who stated that even for Monday's debate. The Law Department sent an opinion to the Speaker stating that it was sub judice.

Omar asked about the directions behind this action. They noted that as the Law Minister, he had not been informed of the opinion and wondered who had given the order.

He emphasized that not being a state "affects us daily", highlighting issues in running the revenue department, control of the Islamic University of Sciences and Technology (IUST) and Bana Ghulam Shah Badshah (BGSB) University, and concerns over the rationalisation of reservation, among other concerns.

The BJP walked out, raising slogans against the government, just as the resolution was passed by a voice vote. At least eight MLAs, including those from the ruling National Conference, the Congress, and the PDP, had sought amendments to the resolution to include mention of Article 370 and 35A, alongside a condemnation of the events of August 5, 2019.

The Assembly proceedings were marred by unrest, with the BJP continuing to raise slogans against the government until the House was adjourned. The BJP's walkout was in response to the government's stance on the resolution, which included a mention of Article 370 and 35A.

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The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing demand for the region's people. The Supreme Court's directive has paved the way for the restoration of statehood. However, the delay in implementing this promise has raised concerns among the people.

Omar's resolution has highlighted the need for the Centre to take concrete steps towards restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP's walkout has highlighted the deep-seated divisions in the state over the issue of statehood restoration.

The Assembly proceedings have shown that the issue remains a contentious one, with different parties holding strong views on the matter. The resolution's passage has been seen as a major step forward in the statehood restoration process. However, the delay in implementing this promise remains a pressing concern.

The Centre's response to Omar's resolution will be vital in determining the fate of the statehood restoration process. The fate of the statehood restoration hangs in the balance. As the Centre must now respond to the Chief Minister's call for concrete action.